JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Feb. 20, 1962 - Lt. Col. John Glenn, United States Marine Corps, became the first American to orbit Earth. His flight in Friendship 7 (Mercury 6) consisted of three orbits in 88 minutes at a velocity of 17,544 mph with the highest altitude of 162.2 statute miles. His capsule was recovered by USS Noa (DD-841).
Feb. 21, 1945 - USS Bismark Sea (CVE-95) was struck by a kamikaze off Iwo Jima and sank in 90 minutes with a loss of 318 men. USS Saratoga (CV-3) was struck by five kamikazes but survived with a loss of 123 men. Bismark Sea was the last carrier lost in combat during World War II.
Feb. 22, 1909 - The Great White Fleet returned from an around-the-world cruise to Hampton Roads, Va.
Feb. 23, 1945 - U.S. Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman raised the U.S. flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.
Feb. 24, 1813 - USS Hornet under the command of Capt. James Lawrence, captured HMS Peacock.
Feb. 25, 1861 - Saratoga, a member of the U.S. African Squadron, captured the slaver sloop Express.